United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a major overhaul of international institutions, arguing that the global system created after the Second World War no longer fully reflects today’s political and economic realities.

Speaking to leaders of major emerging economies, Guterres said the world is moving toward a more multipolar system and that international institutions must adapt to this transformation. He specifically highlighted the need to reform the UN Security Council and the broader global financial architecture.

The UN chief argued that developing countries should have a stronger voice in international decision-making. He also called for greater support for poorer nations, improved debt relief and stronger development financing to help countries achieve their development goals.

Guterres linked the need for reform to several major global challenges, including conflicts, economic pressures, humanitarian crises and growing geopolitical divisions. He stressed that international cooperation remains essential at a time when many global problems cannot be solved by individual countries acting alone.

Reform of the UN Security Council has remained a longstanding demand from many countries, particularly emerging economies that believe the current structure does not adequately represent the modern distribution of global influence.

The Secretary-General also emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring that international institutions remain capable of responding effectively to crises.

The renewed push for reform comes as the United Nations begins a new General Assembly session focused on restoring trust, managing transformation and making the organization more effective. Reform and inclusive global governance are among the stated priorities for the session.

The debate could gain further momentum as governments consider how international institutions should operate in a rapidly changing world. Any major changes, however, would require extensive negotiations among UN member states.